Today is the second annual "Livestrong" Challenge in Portland.
The event raised more than one million dollars for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They money helps to enhanse the lives of people living with cancer.
I covered the ride last year at Nike. This year, it's at Portland Meadows.
Both times, I heard a continued mantra, "attitude is everything."
I was talking with a woman named Sandy Beardsley. Sandy was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1999. She had to give up her teaching job as her health deterioated.
Sandy's friends tell me she may not have much time left. Sandy was holding on so she could walk 17 steps across the finishline. Each step represents a team member.
Sandy's husband lifted her out of her wheelchair among a cheering crowd.
Her legs are swollen from edema. Sandy leaned on both her husband and a cane and she slowly walked those 17 steps. Tears rolled down her supporter's cheeks.
The crowd erupted with applause. Sandy settled back into her chair as she told me, "I count my blessings, not my troubles."
Thank you, Sandy for that reminder.